Major newspaper in swing state issues shocking ultimatum to Biden after debate failure

A major newspaper in a vital swing state has published a shocking front-page ultimatum for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race following his “atrocious” debate failure.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote that “retirement is now necessary” for the 81-year-old incumbent – urging him to pass the torch to a more competent candidate.

“The sad truth is that Biden should withdraw from the race, for the sake of the nation he has served so admirably for half a century,” the editorial board wrote in an editorial appearing on the front page of the largest Georgia newspaper Saturday.

It described how the president had shown clear signs of cognitive decline during the CNN presidential debate on Thursday, and failed to mention what he would do over the next four years, as well as the accomplishments he had made during his first term.

“It wasn’t a bad night; it was a confirmation of the worst fears of some of Biden’s most ardent supporters — that after 36 years in the U.S. Senate, eight more as vice president and one term in the White House, age has finally caught up with him,” the editorial read.

The editorial board said Biden should follow in the footsteps of the country’s first president to step down after two four-year terms.

In his famous Farewell Address, George Washington said: “Every day the increasing weight of years reminds me more and more that the shadow of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome.”

“The shadow of retirement is now necessary for President Biden,” the Atlanta Journal-Constitution editorial board wrote.

They acknowledged that it would take “a massive and unprecedented series of legal and regulatory actions” for Biden to step aside and name a successor, but said there were “a number of talented and principled leaders” from whom Democrats could choose.

“If he truly hopes to defeat Trump, he must pass the torch to the next generations of Democratic leaders and urge the party to nominate another candidate at its convention in August,” the editorial said.

The editorial concludes by noting that “Biden’s candidacy was based on his mandate and the belief of Democratic leaders and pollsters that he had the best chance of defeating Trump in November.”

‘This is no longer the case.

“This reality may be difficult to accept for a man whose personal and political life has been defined by resilience, but it is the truth,” the editorial reads.

“Biden deserves a better exit from public life than the one he endured when he left the stage Thursday night.

“If he demonstrates the courage and dignity that defined his political career, he could follow in the footsteps of the country’s first president and welcome his retirement knowing that he has once again served his country with honor.”

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s scathing editorial followed in the footsteps of the New York Times, which wrote Friday that Biden appeared to be a “shadow” of his former self.

Unable to ignore the president’s performance, the publication put it bluntly: “Mr. Biden cannot continue this race.” »

The Times editorial board acknowledged that voters “cannot ignore what was…obvious: Mr. Biden is no longer the man he was four years ago.”

They further considered that Biden’s candidacy is a “reckless gamble.”

“There are Democratic leaders better equipped to present clear, compelling and forceful alternatives to a second Trump presidency.”

But the Atlanta Journal-Constitution editorial comes as residents of the upscale Buckhead neighborhood say they are not sold on either Biden or Trump.

“I hate to say it, but I don’t think I’m on one side or the other,” one voter, Kira, told DailyMail.com when asked who she was supporting ahead of the debate.

“I think they just forgot about people, and we’re really struggling to get by here.”

“I don’t think either one is right for us,” she continued. “I want a woman up there, I mean, I’ll take Hillary…I think we can lead the country in a great way.” »

However, when asked who she would ultimately vote for, Kira said, “Well, I guess Trump had our best interest over Biden, so I’ll take Trump.”

One man, Julian, was the only one to tell DailyMail.com that he openly supported Biden for president.

“Overall, I like his policies. I understand what he’s done on the economic front. He’s been very open. I think as president he’s shown great leadership during the pandemic. He’s showing great leadership now, despite all the tensions, he’s great.”

A recent poll by local newspaper the Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that among young voters, inflation and the cost of living were the top issues.

For 35% of potential voters aged 18 to 29, it was the main concern. And more than half of them – 57% – said their financial situation was worse today than it was a year ago.

Among this group of likely voters, a tiny 12% said they would support Biden while 37% said they would vote for Donald Trump.